CULTURAL TOURISM – UGANDA (14 Days)

Travellers joining this trip have an opportunity to see various cultures in Uganda (See RW7 for the Rwanda experience). The Uganda safari starts with Kibale Forest National Park in the West. Enroute, see the Nakaima tree in Mubende, a local tree about 400 years old, venerated in local folklore as holding the spirit of an ancient king. See local projects and abundant game in Queen Elizabeth Park including buffalo, tree-climbing lion, leopard, warthog and the ever present hippo. The beautiful steeply forested Kyambura Gorge, is home not only to chimpanzees – man’s closest relation - but also the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and many bird species. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the famous tree-climbing lions which lounge nonchalantly on old fig trees. Further south in Bwindi see local communities and projects (gorilla tracking can be arranged as well) before continuing to Mgahinga. Visit the local Batwa animist communities. Return to Kampala via Lake Mburo, one of Uganda’s most striking parks rich in birds, hippo, buffalo, zebra and cultural communities. Back in Kampala “trail” Kabaka’s Trail – see the cultures of Buganda and see the preserved lifestyle of their ancient kings. See Naggalabi Kings’ Crown-ground, Kasubi Royal Tombs, Katereke Royal Prison, King Wamala’s tombs and other cultural visits organised by Heritage Trails Local Project. Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine, East of Kampala City where some 22 staunch Catholics were burnt alive in the 19th century is also worth visiting. Visit Bahai Temple, the only one in Africa; buy art crafts. In the East, at Jinja, look at Sezibwa local Falls and the Source of the Nile. Participants stay in selected homes or lodges of local people who take care of your food, drink and accommodation.

Itinerary

Day 1: Start for Fort Portal via the pretty little town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Choice of a brief stop at Nakayima Shrine, a splendid tree known to be 400 years old, worshipped by local people and thought to be holding the spirit of an ancient king. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby Crater Lake. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours] O/N: Local home or CVK Lodge managed by the locals (FB).

Day 2: Visit and enjoy the Omukama (king) of Toro’s palace, ancient building. Visit the locally worshipped hot springs and see ancient land form features and caves in For Portal. O/N: Local home or CVK Lodge managed by the locals (FB).

Day 3: Drive for 4 hours to Queen Elizabeth Park, passing via the Rwenzoris, or “Mountains of The Moon” as they are sometimes called. Continue to QE. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a rewarding experience. Brief visit to Tropical Bee Care Centre, a locally managed Centre, to see their projects. [Approximate driving time:] O/N: Local home or Jacana Eco-friendly Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 4: Visit Kyambura gorge to track chimpanzees, man’s closest relation. Leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We may drive via Ishasha, weather conditions permitting – where you may see tree-climbing lion - or drive through farmland to Buhoma. [Approximate driving time: 4 hours] O/N: Local home/Buhoma locally managed Rest Camp or Bwindi Tented Camp or (FB).

Day 5: Enjoy the Buhoma Village Tourist Walk organised by the local community. Or Go gorilla tracking (subject to availability of gorilla permits and payment of US$ 275 gorilla permit fee at time of booking) O/N: Local home/Buhoma locally managed Rest Camp or Bwindi Tented Camp or (FB).

Day 6: Leave for Kisoro, stopping at Kanaba Gap to view the spectacular Virunga volcanoes and stunning terraced hills. Visit the natural, beautiful-looking Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the volcanoes, take a walk on the shores or continue directly to Mgahinga. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours] O/N: Local home/Mount Gahinga Rest Camp or Mgahinga Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 7: Visit the local Batwa pygmies and see their cultures. Evening dance by the group can also be arranged. O/N: Local home/Mount Gahinga Rest Camp or Mgahinga Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 8: After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park via Kabale. Boat trip and an evening game drive. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours] O/N: Local home or Mantana Mburo Camp (FB).

Day 9: Time permitting, an early morning game drive. Return to Kampala via Masaka: look at royal drum makers, stop at the Equator for photo opportunities, and the roadside markets to enjoy some fruit and vegetables; lunch en route. Visit Katereke Royal Prison, and King Wamala’s tombs, time permitting. Continue to Kampala arriving late afternoon. O/N: Local home (HB).

Days 10-12: Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is a charming green city, spread over about 10 hills. Visit the Parliament, the museum and buildings of different religious faiths, the Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine, and the colourful markets. Trail the ancient Kabaka’s (kings) – see the cultures of Buganda and see the lifestyle of their ancient kings; see Naggalabi ancient Kings’ Crown-ground, Kasubi Royal Tombs, and other cultural visits organised by Heritage Trails Local Project. Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine, East of Kampala City where some 22 staunch Catholics were burnt alive in the 19th century is also worth visiting. Visit Bahai Temple, the only one in Africa; buy art crafts. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants that prepare local foods. O/N: Local home (HB).

Day 13: Start for Jinja, via Mukono. Detour to Sezzibwa Falls, thought in local folklore to have been “produced” by an ancient woman. Birding while there and continue to Mabira Forest. Proceed to Jinja past the Owen Falls Dam, Uganda’s largest dam. Visit the Source of the Mighty River Nile, see local merchant shops. Your trip ends with a cultural tour to Bujagali Falls on the other end of the Nile. Return to Kampala late afternoon. Visit the theatre to enjoy a local play/dance. O/N: Local home (FB).

Day 14: Transfer to the airport in time for your flight. Tour Ends.

For those who wish, a visit for an extra three days by air, to the Karamojong nomadic farmers/cattle rustlers in the North, can be arranged. Please contact us for details. 

Departure Dates: Daily

Itineraries that include a visit to the gorillas are subject to availability of permits at time of booking. Unless otherwise stated, only one gorilla permit is included in the safari cost; the other trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.

Key to Itineraries:

O/N:	Overnight
FB	Accommodation on Full Board basis. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are included in the safari cost.
HB	Accommodation on Half Board basis. One meal (either lunch or dinner) as well as breakfast are included in the safari cost.
BB	Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis. Only breakfast is included in the safari cost at the stated property.
B	Accommodation on Bed Only basis. All meals at the stated property are not included in the safari cost. To be paid for directly by the client.